10 best restaurants in Puglia

Delightful Puglia: 10 Must-Experience Stops

A voyage from North to South through captivating villages, farmsteads, trabucchi, and terraces with breathtaking sea views. With exclusive suggestions by nicolas

The most coveted hotspot on the internet, Puglia continues to captivate with its irresistible blend of natural beauty, archaeological treasures, and beaches reminiscent of the Caribbean. Our focus lies along the stunning coastline, with occasional worthwhile ventures into the countryside. Approximately spanning 865 km, this gastronomic journey takes you through rocky promontories, cliffside vistas, and pristine beaches. Prepare to indulge in a culinary adventure while immersing yourself in the rich culture, traditions, and exquisite food and wine offerings that Puglia is renowned for.

Puglia: Unmissable Restaurants to Sample

1 VIESTE

Piana della Battaglia (restaurant)
Nestled amidst a picturesque rural landscape framed by natural woods and ancient dry stone walls on one side, and the azure sea on the other, this gem of the Gargano region seems to blend seamlessly with the coastline. The Bay of Marina Piccola, located in the city center, is a true treasure to behold, along with the Pizzomunno, an imposing limestone monolith that stands tall on the beach just south of the town. Vieste's historic center, enclosed within sturdy medieval walls, showcases dazzling white houses perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, stretching from Marina Piccola to Punta San Francesco, a stunning peninsula showcasing a remarkable religious complex dating back to 1438. Don't miss a leisurely stroll through the narrow, meandering lanes dotted with panoramic viewpoints and charming squares. The row houses, featuring picturesque balconies known as "mignali", are connected by arches, adding to the town's enchanting ambiance.

Recommended Stop:

Piana della Battaglia - Gourmet Pizza, located just a 10-minute drive from the center of Vieste, is a small farmhouse immersed in the captivating atmosphere offered by the woods near the Foresta Umbra. Their traditionally prepared dishes and over 30 varieties of wood-fired pizzas, baked using olive wood as fuel, are a delectable delight. Do not miss their Fior di zucca pizza, topped with pumpkin, anchovy, arugula pesto, fiordilatte cheese, and tomatoes. The same establishment also manages Il Capriccio, a wine bar with fresh seafood and a contemporary restaurant (featured in the Michelin Guide) headed by chef Leonardo Viscero at the city's marina. Infused with fusion influences and local ingredients, the menu reflects the chef's extensive international experience. Indulge in their Riso, patate e cozze dish, where the traditional Apulian dish takes a new form as potato gnocchi with mussels, zucchini caviar, and rice popcorn.

2 Lecce
TRATTORIA NONNA TETTI

Located in the heart of Lecce, Trattoria Nonna Tetti is one of the best-value restaurants in the city. A glance at their menu is enough to grasp the authenticity and genuineness of the dishes, deeply rooted in the local culinary tradition. Prepare to savor unforgettable meats, delightful homemade appetizers (including roasted peppers, cottage cheese, eggplant and potato pie, and more), and not to mention their succulent octopus alla pignata and seafood risotto. If you find yourself in Lecce, make sure not to miss the opportunity to savor a delightful lunch at Trattoria Nonna Tetti.

3 Foggia
PICCOLA OSTERIA KM ZERO

A small and welcoming eatery, Piccola Osteria KM Zero places great emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. With their ever-fresh dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options, the atmosphere exudes both friendliness and professionalism. Indulge in the typical cuisine of Foggia, featuring homemade dishes from appetizers to desserts, providing you with an opportunity to savor the city's culinary traditions. The staff is always available to explain the dishes and the various fresh ingredients, ensuring a delightful dining experience. This intimate setting is ideal for an evening with your closest circle of friends, allowing you to engage in delightful conversations while relishing the delectable delicacies this place has to offer. Make sure to give it a try at least once.

4 Peschici (FG)
Ristorante Porta di Basso

A visit to Chef Domenico Cilenti's restaurant, featured in the Michelin Guide, is a must. Situated on a spectacular small terrace perched 100 meters above sea level on a cliff, it offers splendid views of the Tremiti Islands. Don't miss their tubetti pasta with sea urchin foam, accompanied by one of the 200 labels available on their extensive wine list. The cuisine pays great attention to local ingredients, incorporating various wild herbs, including salicornia, which grows in the nearby lagoon. This intimate establishment, located in the historic center, is nested within the vaults of an ancient lime and stone olive mill.

5 Manfredonia
Osteria Baccolicchio

Named after the arch under which its entrance is nestled, Osteria Baccolicchio is a classic osteria located just a short distance from the old port, in a picturesque alleyway. Indulge in their traditional dishes with a unique twist. Don't miss their orecchiette pasta, crafted with burnt wheat and accompanied by broccoli, canestraio cheese, and crispy pepper. Another highlight to savor is the "Voglio tutto di mare" (I want everything from the sea) appetizer, featuring the chef's daily recommendations.

6 Ostuni
Masseria Moroseta (Contrada Lamacavallo, s/n, Ostuni BR)

Nestled amidst a 5-hectare olive grove, Masseria Moroseta is situated in Ostuni, also known as the white city. This establishment offers a restaurant and bed and breakfast accommodations. You also have the option to solely book a dinner, artfully curated by chef Giorgia Eugenia Goggi, who presents a gastronomic journey rooted in zero-kilometer productions, complemented by organic ingredients sourced from the surrounding area.

7 Lecce
Masseria Stali (Via Vicinale, Via Cisterna Vecchia, 8, 73010 Caprarica di Lecce LE)

Located just a few kilometers from Lecce, Masseria Stali spans over a vast 270-hectare farm that produces cereals, vegetables, oil, and wine. In addition to offering accommodations, this establishment boasts a didactic farm and an intriguing restaurant. The ingredients used in their dishes are often self-produced, showcasing the simplicity and genuine flavors of the region.

8 Otranto
Masseria Bandino

Where the sea is not the only attraction
Otranto, a popular tourist destination, offers numerous masserie (farmhouses) as options for accommodations. Built in the 18th century, Masseria Bandino overlooks the town's port and boasts expansive green areas adorned with olive trees, citrus groves, pine trees, and aromatic vegetation, offering a rural ambiance that is reflected in the culinary creations of chef Angelo Carbotti. Expect a variety of top-quality meat, fish, and vegetable dishes, all prepared with great refinement.

9 Ostuni
Rosticceria l’antico borgo

In Ostuni, Rosticceria L'Antico Borgo's butcher specializes in sausages and lamb cuts and will grill your selection of meat while you savor wine in their cozy restaurant at the back. Just like in a butcher shop, you can choose your desired meat, which will be immediately grilled for you. This is an experience you simply cannot miss.

10 Trani
Il ristorante Quintessenza

What awaits you at this eatery? Above all, an incredible ability to artfully showcase the sea in a simple, essential, effective, and inclusive manner - a true representation of neoclassical seafood cuisine. Their menu features a blend of ancient and contemporary recipes, with a focus on highlighting the flavors of the sea and locally-sourced vegetables. Before delving into their culinary offerings, indulge in the irresistible focaccia, taralli, extra virgin olive oil, and, of course, bread, reminding you that you are truly in the heart of Puglia. Their new venue offers around 50 seats across two floors, along with a terrace that can be used as a rooftop, where you can enjoy simpler fare along with cocktails.